As the Princess of Wales stepped out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace, surrounded by her loved ones, the crowds thronging The Mall below cheered wildly in response.
Standing alongside the King and Queen, her husband the Prince, and their children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis, Kate waved back joyfully, seemingly thrilled to be back alongside her family.
BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Making her first official appearance in public since Christmas Day as she continues to undergo treatment for cancer, she appeared delighted to be taking part in the traditional moment following the King's Birthday Parade.
And Kate seemed especially touched to be taking in the magnificent sight of a military fly past with her adored children, leaning in to chat to them about the spectacle.
Prince Louis turned excitedly to say something to her as the first Chinooks flew towards the palace.
As her sons gave double-handed waves to the crowds surrounding the Victoria Memorial, she tenderly adjusted her daughter's hair.
And in a sign of how strongly they have supported each other in recent months, William and Kate exchanged loving glances, clearly happy and relieved to be back together in public as a family unit.
HELLO! understands that Kate discussed her decision to appear at the ceremony with her father-inlaw the King beforehand, with a spokesman confirming: "His Majesty is delighted that the Princess is able to attend."
EASING BACK IN
The Princess's presence at the annual family gathering marked a high-profile return to the spotlight, but royal aides were careful to stress that it did not signal a return to a full schedule of public engagements as she continues to receive chemotherapy.
"Family is really important to the Princess of Wales and she wanted to be there to support her family," a royal source tells HELLO!.
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